Mortar fragmentation shot with plastic warhead

Abstract

The invention relates to a mortar fragmentation shot with a plastic warhead designed to neutralize enemy personnel and firepower through fragmentation and explosive effects. A mortar fragmentation shot consist a front detonator device connected through a transition sleeve mounted to a warhead containing pre -formed fragmentation elements. The fragmentation warhead (2) is made of plastic and covered by an external polymer shot (13), wherein the plastic fragmentation warhead (2) consists of a carrier sleeve (5) with a clamping nut (7) positioned in the front part, housing a detonating charge (6) inside the carrier sleeve, and the stabilizer (12) is fixed to the rear end of the carrier sleeve (5). In the space between the outer surface of the carrier sleeve (5) and the inner surface of the fragmentation warhead (2), pre -formed kinetic elements (9, 10, 11) are arranged in rows, one above the other, with the first row of pre-formed kinetic elements (9) differing in shape, mass, and size from the pre- formed kinetic elements (10) in the second row.

Description

MORTAR FRAGMENTATION SHOT WITH PLASTIC WARHEADFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a mortar fragmentation shot with a plastic warhead designed to neutralize enemy personnel and firepower through fragmentation and explosive effects. It is particularly intended for targeting enemies in open areas, trenches, lightly armored vehicles positioned on reverse slopes, ravines, and fieldtype shelters. It can also be used for destroying observation posts and light defensive structures by dispersing a radial stream of preformed kinetic fragmentation elements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Known and widely used is the design of a grenade (PG-18) for targeting various types of objectives. The grenade consists of a warhead that includes a body with a cumulative warhead at the front filled with explosives, a fuse, and fragmentation elements, connected to a rocket motor. The body has radially oriented slanted openings intended for releasing propellant gases from the rocket motor, which impart rotational movement to the warhead. This rotation improves firing accuracy, with the grenade being effective at distances up to 200 m, and the cumulative charge capable of penetrating armor up to 300mm thick.

[0003] The disadvantage of the described design is the limited range and armor- piercing capability of the warhead, as well as its inability to impact targets positioned in trenches.

[0004] Patent publication US 2021 / 0041215 Al describes a mortar shot comprising a polymer outer layer with reinforcing fibers dispersed within and a metal inner layer that defines the shot’s interior. The metal inner layer contains multiple metal fragments, each interconnected in a form-fitting manner. The metal fragments are assembled into the metal inner layer, where a first metal fragment has characteristics different from the surrounding second metal fragments that are in contact with it.

[0005] A disadvantage of the described technical solution is the overly complex construction of the warhead, which requires significant manufacturing time and sophisticated tooling, thereby reducing productivity and increasing energy costs, and consequently the unit cost of production.

[0006] Patent publication RU2118788C1 describes a fragmentation grenade consisting of a front over-caliber section containing explosives and a fuse and a metal explosive block filled with prefonned fragmentation elements.

[0007] The drawback of the described front-positioned over-caliber cumulative- fragmentation warhead is its insufficient effectiveness in neutralizing targets, as a significant portion of the metal mass cannot be utilized as fragmentation elements.Additionally, when the warhead explodes before reaching the target, the fragmentation elements scatter in a limited circular field and do not spread along the axis of direction.

[0008] Patent publication RU2362962 describes an over-caliber fragmentation grenade consisting of a front over-caliber cumulative-fragmentation warhead connected to a caliber section comprising a rocket motor and a stabilizer. The overcaliber cumulative-fragmentation warhead consists of interconnected front and rear sections, with the front section housing the fragmentation block filled with explosives. A fuse with an inertial sensor and a delay mechanism is located in the rear part of the body. The rear section of the warhead comprises a steel body containing the fuse mechanism and a pyrotechnic charge connected to the fuse through a channel. The described warhead construction allows for contact or proximity fuse variants.

[0009] The drawback of the described grenade is its limited neutralizing capability, as not all the mass of the cumulative-fragmentation warhead is used, and the size of the impact field is restricted.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Given the known state of the art in this field, the objective of the invention is to provide an improved mortar fragmentation shot that features a simplified and technologically efficient design. This design ensures effective performance in combating enemy personnel and firepower positioned in open areas, trenches, field shelters, lightly armored vehicles on reverse slopes, and in ravines, using a radially spreading stream of pre-formed kinetic fragmentation elements.

[0011] The task is solved by a plastic fragmentation warhead with integrated preformed kinetic fragmentation elements of varying mass and configuration, utilizing their kinetic energy to neutralize targets through the radially spreading fragmentation field, derived from the detonation products of a high-energy brisant explosive charge within the plastic fragmentation warhead.

[0012] The mortar fragmentation shot consists of a front fuse device connected through an adapter sleeve mounted to the warhead, which houses the pre-formed fragmentation elements. A stabilizer is fixed to the rear of the warhead.

[0013] According to the invention, the fragmentation warhead is made of plastic and encased in an external polymer shot. The plastic fragmentation warhead comprises a carrier sleeve, with a detonating charge placed inside it. The charge is secured by a retaining nut at the front, and a stabilizer is fixed at the rear end of the carrier sleeve. The base of the plastic fragmentation warhead is shaped like a cylindrical cone, with its front part securely attached to the carrier sleeve, and its rear part connected to the stabilizer by a threaded joint.The pre-formed kinetic fragmentation elements are arranged in rows between the external surface of the carrier sleeve and the internal surface of the fragmentation warhead, with the first row differing in shape, mass, and size from the second row of elements. A second additional row of kinetic elements, with a different profile and size, is located at the base in the rear part of the warhead.

[0014] The external polymer casing of the plastic warhead is made from 30-50% glass-filled polyamide, with mechanical properties that are no less than the following: density of 1.29 g / cm3, impact strength of 50 kJ / m2, elongation at break of 5%, and a tensile modulus of 11,000 MPa.

[0015] The pre- formed kinetic fragmentation elements are integrated within the warhead, differing in configuration and mass, made from structural steel, and arranged radially and uniformly along the length of the carrier sleeve.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pre-formed kinetic fragmentation elements are spherical, rectangular, square, or cylindrical in shape, or made as springs or metal rods with pre-applied radial stress concentrators, or a combination of these forms.

[0017] The pre-formed kinetic fragmentation elements range in size from 6 mm to 12 mm and have a mass from 0.001 kg to 0.040 kg.

[0018] The detonating charge inside the carrier sleeve is a high-energy brisant explosive.

[0019] The stabilizer is a solid-body aluminum stabilizer with a main and additional charge, designed as rings.

[0020] The fuse device is a front-facing, inertia-activated, safety-type fuse, with an instantaneous action mechanism that initiates upon contact with the target, even at small angles or on ricochet.

[0021] The plastic fragmentation warhead, subject of the invention, is characterized by enhanced lethality, providing a significantly larger fragmentation field. The design ensures that, upon detonation of the high-energy brisant explosive, the products of detonation act on the central carrier sleeve, expanding it and propelling the kinetic fragmentation elements. These elements are dispersed and spread evenly in a radial direction around the entire perimeter, thereby increasing the efficiency and probability of neutralizing all targets within the effective zone.

[0022] The plastic fragmentation warhead is characterized by a significantly simplified and production-friendly design. At the end of its service life, the warhead can be easily and safely decommissioned without special conditions or extraordinary precautions.The deactivation and removal of the high-energy explosive charge are accomplished by unscrewing the retaining nut, allowing easy and safe extraction of the explosive charge.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention is illustrated by the attached figures, from which:- fig.l - general view of the mortar fragmentation shot with a plastic fragmentation warhead and the connected stabilizer, subject of the invention.- fig.2 - cross-sectional view of the mortar fragmentation shot with a plastic warhead containing pre-formed kinetic elements and stabilizer.- fig-3 - cross-sectional view (axonometric view) of the plastic warhead with preformed kinetic elements, subject of the invention.PRIMERY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The mortar fragmentation shot 1 with a plastic warhead 2, according to the invention, has a teardrop shape and consists of a front fuse device 3, fixedly connected to an adapter sleeve 4, which is mounted by rigid connection to a carrier sleeve 5 positioned along the axis of the plastic warhead 2. Inside the carrier sleeve 5 is a detonating charge 6, preferably made of a high-energy brisant explosive, which is fixed in the front part of the carrier sleeve 5 by a retaining nut 7. The rear end of the carrier sleeve 5 is threaded and connected to the base 8. The base of the plastic fragmentation warhead is a solid structure, preferably with a combined shape of a cylinder and a truncated cone. The cylindrical part has a diameter equal to the carrier sleeve, connected by a threaded joint tightened to the stop, and the rear part of the base has a thread (internal or external) to which a solid-body aluminum stabilizer 12 is fixedly attached. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic warhead 2 and the aluminum stabilizer 12 are connected by a threaded joint.

[0025] Longitudinally, inside the body of the warhead, pre-formed kinetic elements made of metal are arranged, with shapes such as spheres, cylinders, metal rods, or springs with pre-applied radial stress concentrators to form kinetic elements. In the space between the outer surface of the carrier sleeve 5 and the inner wall of the plastic warhead 2, a first row of pre-formed kinetic elements 9, shaped like a notched spring, is mounted. Over the outer profile of the pre-formed elements 9, a second row of pre-formed kinetic elements 10 with identical profiles and dimensions is mounted.

[0026] At the rear end of the carrier sleeve 5, near the base 8, there is a section where a second additional row of pre-formed kinetic elements 11 , with different sizes compared to the elements 10 of the second row and a different profile, such as cylindrical, is positioned over the first row of pre-formed elements 9.According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 are integrated as a whole with the carrier sleeve 5, for example, by injection molding.

[0027] A threaded section is formed at the rear of the base 8, allowing for a rigid connection to the stabilizer 12, which is a solid-body aluminum element. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizer 12 is designed with a main charge, not shown in the figures, and additional ring-shaped charges, also not shown in the figures.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 have dimensions ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm, with a mass approximately between 0.001 kg and 0.040 kg. The pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 are arranged radially and symmetrically along the entire length of the plastic body 2.

[0029] Depending on the structural design, the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 may be made in spherical or cylindrical shapes, or as metal rods with a length of 8 mm, featuring pre-applied radial stress concentrators.

[0030] In one preferred embodiment, the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 are made as springs with various profiles (square, rectangular, cylindrical, etc.), with a size of 10 mm, featuring pre-applied radial stress concentrators.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the plastic fragmentation warhead 2, the preformed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 can be spherical, rectangular, square, or cylindrical, or in the form of metal rods with pre-applied radial stress concentrators, or a combination of these forms.

[0032] According to another variant, to increase the number of fragments and the effectiveness of the plastic warhead 2 with the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11, the latter are designed as notched springs with pre-applied radial stress concentrators. The springs can have varying diameters and profiles and are stacked on top of each other in a structurally defined section of the plastic warhead. This arrangement of the pre-formed elements is preferred to improve the efficiency of target neutralization by ensuring proper mass distribution for stable parameters and aerodynamic characteristics both during launch and along the trajectory of the shot.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the mortar fragmentation shot, the plastic body of the warhead 2 is encased in an outer polymer shot 13, determining the profile and configuration of the warhead. Preferably, the shot is made from 40% glass-filled polyamide with mechanical characteristics no lower than the following: density of 1.29 g / cm3, impact strength of 50 kJ / m2, elongation at break of 5%, and a tensile modulus of 11,000 MPa.

[0034] The detonating charge 6 is preferably made of high-energy brisant explosive with a mass ranging from 0.800 to 0.880 kg, particularly 0.85 kg, with a density of 1.74 to 1.8 g / cm3, for example, 1.78g / cm3, and a detonation velocity of over 8,000m / s, such as 8,200 m / s. Upon initiation of the high-energy brisant explosive 6 by the front fuse device 3, the energy from the detonation products destroys the plastic body of the warhead 2, which is transformed into kinetic energy transmitted to the pre-formed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11. These elements are dispersed radially, ensuring effective neutralization within the action zone of the fragmentation field.OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The use of the described mortar fragmentation shot 1 with a plastic warhead2, containing preformed kinetic fragmentation elements 9, 10, and 11, can be presented as follows: The mortar fragmentation shot 1 with a plastic warhead 2 is assembled in the described manner, with preformed kinetic fragmentation elements 9, 10, and 11 loaded in an appropriate combination of shapes and sizes. These are arranged as follows: the first row of preformed kinetic elements 9, in the form of a serrated spring, with the second row of preformed kinetic elements 10, with identical profiles and sizes, mounted over the outer profile of the first row. Additionally, at the rear, near the base 8, a second additional row of preformed kinetic elements 11, with different sizes and profiles, is placed over the first row of preformed kinetic elements 9. Before firing the mortar fragmentation shot 1 , the main charge is placed in the opening of the solid aluminum stabilizer 12, and rings of an additional charge are mounted around the stabilizer’s sleeve. This prepares the round for firing. The completed mortar round is inserted into the front of the mortar barrel and fired.

[0037] After firing, the primer of the main charge is initiated by the firing pin of the hammer mechanism, igniting the nitroglycerin powder. The gases and fire impulse created are transmitted through the openings of the solid aluminum stabilizer 12, igniting the rings of the additional charge. The gases generated by the burning charges create high pressure inside the mortar barrel, propelling the round forward. As a result, linear inertial forces act on the inertial mechanisms of the front detonator3.

[0038] The design of the detonator 3 and the plastic warhead 2 with preformed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11 allows for two operating modes: contact instantaneous and inertial action.

[0039] In contact and inertial action, i.e., upon impact with an obstacle, the front detonator 3 activates the inertial piercing mechanism, which in turn initiates the firing chain, ultimately sending a detonation impulse to the explosive charge 6 made of high-energy brisant explosive. Due to the design of the plastic warhead 2, a spherical detonation wave front is formed, and the detonation products transfer their energy to the preformed kinetic elements 9, 10, and 11, dispersing them radially at the speed of the detonation products, with an effective range radius of no less than 30 meters.

[0040] After the high-energy brisant explosive 6 is initiated by the front detonator 3, the energy from the detonation products destroys the body of the plastic warhead2, converting it into kinetic energy transferred to the preformed kinetic fragmentation elements 9, 10, and 11, which spread radially, providing effective targeting within the fragmentation field. After a predetermined flight time, the inertial mechanisms cease operation, activating the detonator 3, and the round is ready to engage the target.

[0041] Fragments are also created from other components of the fragmentation warhead 2, including the body of the front detonator 3, the transition sleeve 4, the carrier sleeve 5, the outer polymer shot 13 of the fragmentation warhead 2, and the stabilizer 12.

[0042] As a result of the detonation, over 1,500 preformed kinetic fragmentation elements are generated, embedded in the warhead's construction, with additional fragments created from the destruction of the carrier sleeve 5, transition sleeve 4, detonator 3, base 8, solid aluminum stabilizer 12, and the outer polymer shot 13. These fragments spread uniformly in a radial direction with an effective range radius of no less than 30 meters.1.Mortar fragmentation shot with a plastic warhead and preformed kinetic fragmentation elements:2. Plastic fragmentation warhead with preformed kinetic elements; . Front detonator;4. Transition sleeve;5. Carrier sleeve, coaxial with the plastic fragmentation warhead;6. Explosive charge made of high-energy brisant explosive;7. Compression nut;8. Base;9. First row of preformed kinetic fragmentation elements;10. Second row of preformed kinetic elements, identical in size and profile to the kinetic elements;11. Second additional row of preformed kinetic elements placed over the first row, with different sizes and profiles;12. Stabilizer;13. Outer polymer shot.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mortar fragmentation shot, comprising a front detonator device connected through a transition sleeve mounted to a warhead containing pre-formed fragmentation elements, with a stabilizer fixed to the rear of the warhead, characterized in that the fragmentation warhead (2) is made of plastic and covered by an external polymer shot (13), wherein the plastic fragmentation warhead (2) consists of a carrier sleeve (5) with a clamping nut (7) positioned in the front part, housing a detonating charge (6) inside the carrier sleeve, and the stabilizer (12) is fixed to the rear end of the carrier sleeve (5). The base (8) of the plastic fragmentation warhead (2) is shaped as a cylindrical conical body, with its front part fixed to the carrier sleeve (5) and the rear part connected to the stabilizer (12) by a threaded joint. In the space between the outer surface of the carrier sleeve (5) and the inner surface of the fragmentation warhead (2), pre-formed kinetic elements (9, 10, 11) are arranged in rows, one above the other, with the first row of pre-formed kinetic elements (9) differing in shape, mass, and size from the pre-formed kinetic elements (10) in the second row. Additionally, a second supplementary row of preformed kinetic elements (11) is arranged in the base (8), with a profile and size different from the pre-formed kinetic elements (10).

2. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer polymer shot of the plastic warhead (2) is made of 30-50% glass-filled polyamide, with mechanical characteristics not lower than the following parameters: density of 1.29 g / cm3, impact strength of 50 kJ / m2, elongation at break - 5%, and tensile modulus of 11,000 MPa.

3. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-formed kinetic elements (9), (10), and (11) are embedded within the plastic fragmentation warhead (2), made of construction steel, with different configurations and masses, and are arranged radially and evenly along the entire length of the carrier sleeve (5).

4. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-formed kinetic elements (9), (10), and (11) are spherical, rectangular, square, or cylindrical in shape, formed as springs or metal rods with pre-applied stress concentrators in the radial direction, or a combination of these forms.

5. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-formed kinetic elements (9), (10), and (11) range in size from 6 mm to 12 mm and have a mass ranging from 0.001 kg to 0.040 kg.

6. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the detonating charge (6), located inside the carrier sleeve (5), is a high-energy brisant explosive.

7. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilizer (12) is a one-piece aluminum stabilizer with a primary and supplementary charge formed as rings.

8. The mortar fragmentation shot according to claim 1, characterized in that the detonator device (3) is of the front safety type.

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